Slide 1
The Good, the Bad, and the Bathroom Dash: What to Do Before and After Your Colonoscopy
The colonoscopy and the recovery are usually easy. The day before? Get ready for a memorable evening in the bathroom.
Slide 2
The week before your colonoscopy
Pick up your prep. You’ll take it the night before your colonoscopy to empty the colon completely.
Prep comes in tablet, liquid or powder form. Each brand works differently, so read the instructions carefully.
Slide 3
While you’re out, pick up some supplies to stock the bathroom:
Also, put soft foods and clear liquids on the grocery list:
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Jell-O
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Sports drinks
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Broth
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Lemon or lime popsicles
Slide 4
3-5 days before your colonoscopy
Switch to a low-fiber diet.
Stop eating:
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Raw fruit
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Dried fruit
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Whole grains
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Vegetables
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Nuts and seeds
This is to ensure the whole colon is visible during the scan.
Slide 5
The day before
Start a clear liquid diet:
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Broth
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Coffee or tea with no milk or creamer
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Lemon or lime Jell-O and popsicles
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Clear soda or sports drinks
Avoid red, orange, blue or purple food dye, which can resemble blood in the colon.
If you’re constipated today, let your doctor know so they can prescribe a laxative.
Slide 6
It’s go time!
Clear your evening calendar and start taking your prep meds several hours before bedtime to ensure you sleep. You’ll be drinking a lot of water and camping in the bathroom. Have your comfort supplies ready, along with a good book or magazine.
Slide 7
Pro Tips:
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If you have liquid prep, drink it chilled and through a straw.
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After drinking it, suck on a peppermint or lemon slice.
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Stay hydrated: Sports drinks or electrolytes can help.
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Stay motivated and keep going: if your colon isn’t empty, you may have to do it again.
Your goal: one and done!
Slide 8
Colonoscopy day
The hard part is behind you. At the hospital or clinic, you’ll gown up, get an IV, and take a nap under anesthesia.
Most people feel fine after they wake up, but some experience a little gas or bloating.
You’ll get your results before you leave.
Slide 9
Be sure to arrange for someone to bring you home.
Take it easy for the rest of the day as you recover from the anesthesia. You can eat again, with no restrictions. Enjoy, but start slowly.
Slide 10
Congratulations on prioritizing your health! That wasn’t so bad, was it?
With a clear scan and few risk factors, you may not need to do this again for several years.
This educational resource was created with support from Daiichi Sankyo.
